Volume 26, No. 2 February 2018

Did you know?...

Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital

“Serving with Pride and Professionalism since 1993”

You have the right toexpress your concernsabout patient safety and

quality of care.There are several avenues opento you:* Through the ICE website.* The Hospital CustomerRelations Officer at 760-830-2475, or any of the CustomerRelations representatives in theHospital clinics, or directly tothe Joint Commission via: E-mail at complaint@jointcommission.orgFax: 630-792-5636

The Joint CommissionOak Renaissance BoulevardOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

To report Fraud, Waste andAbuse contact one of thebelow offices by calling:

Naval Hospital: 760-830-2344Combat Center: 760-830-7749NavMedWest: 1-877-479-3832Medical IG: 1-800-637-6175DoD IG: 1-800-424-9098

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhtp/pages/default.aspx

An Award Winning Publication

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SECNAV Listens to Sailors’ Concerns During Hospital VisitSecretary of the Navy, RichardV. Spencer, delighted Sailorsand civilian staff throughout theNHTP Command during aFebruary 2 visit. As he touredvarious departments, he askedindividuals, “What do you needmost?” Answers varied fromsupplies, to personnel, to moreproviders.

The Secretary showed an aware-ness of Navy Medicine concernsand issues and frequentlyweighed in on best practices.Enlisted Sailors frequently tookthe lead in briefing the Secretaryabout individual departments.

On the Multi-Service Ward,Secretary Spencer was briefedby Hospital Corpsman ThirdClass Alexandria Agudelo whodescribed Lean-Six Sigma pro-jects that streamline their supplysystem, patient reporting andpharmacy items. When Agudelomentioned lowering patient riskby 85 percent, the Secretaryasked what the hospital is doingto spread NHTP best practicesto other medical centers.

Secretary Spencer was accom-panied by his wife, Polly, andCombat Center CommandingGeneral, Maj. Gen. William F.Mullen III and his wife, Vicki.Also on the hospital tour wereMCAGCC Chief of Staff Col.Ricardo Martinez and his wifeSonya, Aanika Barricks, BarbaraHardy and Teresa Isarraraz.

The tour began at the AdultMedical Care Clinic where theSecretary was given anoverview of the MarineCentered Medical Home Port,where only active-duty servicemembers are treated. He touredthe battalion aid stations, the

Mental Health Department andthe physical therapy department.

The group then headed over tothe main hospital where theSecretary received briefings inindividual departments, begin-ning with the Multi-ServiceWard, the Maternal InfantNursing Department and thenheading to the long stretch offamily medicine clinics knownlocally as the “green mile.”Family medicine physician Lt.Cmdr. Danielle Robbins tookthe lead with descriptions of theOBGYN Clinic, FamilyMedicine and Optometry.Secretary Spencer concluded hisNHTP tour after visiting theRadiology and EmergencyMedicine Departments.

Always gracious and informed,the Secretary paused frequentlyto shake hands, ask questionsand pose for pictures with indi-vidual personnel, even posingfor selfies when requested.

By Dave Marks, NHTP PAO

The Secretary of the Navy, Richard V. Spencer, arrives at NHTPwith the Combat Center Commanding General and NHTPCommanding Officer and NHTP Command Master Chief.

Family medicine physician, Lt. Cmdr. Danielle Robbins, takes theSecretary of the Navy and his entourage through the family medi-cine clinics introducing staff and explaining mission.

HM3 Alexandria Agudelobriefs the Secretary on theprocess improvement projectsthat lowered patient risk by 85percent.

2 -- The Examiner - February - 2018

Published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the UnitedStates Marine Corps, United States Navy or Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, under exclusive written contract withthe Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. The appearance of advertising in this publication, includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the United States MarineCorps, the United States Navy or Hi-Desert Publishing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertisedin this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, thepublisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is pre-pared by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Hospital, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Commanding OfficerCapt. Nadjmeh M. Hariri, DC, USN

Executive OfficerCapt. Patrick K. Amersbach, NC, USN

Command Master Chief HMCM (SW/AW/FMF) Jerry Ramey, USN

Public Affairs Officer/EditorMr. Dave Marks

Command OmbudsmanMr. Brent Harris (760) 668-1178 email: nh29ombudsman@gmail.com

The Examiner welcomes your comments and suggestions concerning the publication. Deadline for submission of arti-cles is the 15th of each month for the following month’s edition. Any format is welcome, however, the preferredmethod of submission is by e-mail or by computer disk.

How to reach us...Commanding Officer Naval HospitalPublic Affairs OfficeBox 788250 MAGTFTCTwentynine Palms, CA 92278-8250Com: (760) 830-2362DSN: 230-2362E-mail: david.m.marks.civ@mail.milHi-Desert Publishing Company56445 Twentynine Palms HighwayYucca Valley, CA 92284Com: (760) 365-3315FAX: (760) 365-8686

The Chaplain Corps and religious ministry teams aboard the MarineCorps Air Ground Combat Center celebrated their rich heritageSaturday, January 24, with live folk music, dinner, and a program atthe Frontline Restaurant. The Chaplain Corps celebrated its 242ndAnniversary and the Religious Program Specialist Rating celebratedtheir 39th Anniversary commemorating our combined rich Naval her-itage in service to others.

Honored guests at the event were Major General William Mullen IIIand Mrs. Mullen, Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms CommandingOfficer, Capt. Nadji Hariri, along with commanding officers from ten-ant commands throughout the Combat Center. The guest of honor andscheduled speaker, Navy Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. MargaretKibben, was regrettably unable to attend but was well represented byMCAGCC’s Command Chaplain, Cmdr. William Middleton. Lt.Cmdr. Ron Cooley and Mrs. Cooley were honored to represent theNaval Hospital along with Capt. Hariri. Rev. Cooley has served as thecontract chaplain for the Naval Hospital since 2010 and is a retiredNavy chaplain and former active-duty U.S. Marine.

Rear Admiral Kibben sent her regards and while disappointed shecouldn’t attend the anniversary dinner, she provided the ceremonywith its closing words: “Chaplains and Religious Program Specialistsneed to be where it matters, when it matters, with what matters. Thatis the chaplains’ and religious program specialists’ sacred duty.”

Chaplain Corps & ReligiousProgram Specialists ObserveAnniversary CelebrationsBy Chaplain Ronald Cooley

Top left: MCAGCC Command Chaplain, Cmdr. William Middleton,and Maj. Gen. William F. Mullen III enjoy “fiddle-inspired folkmusic” by the duo, Ruled by Venus. Bottom: L-R: Beth Cooley,Chaplain Ronald Cooley and NHTP Commanding Officer, Capt.Nadji Hariri.

Mr. Frederico Hernandez Jr. (center) held his retirement ceremony January 26 in NHTP Classroom 4.Mr. Hernandez was an Industrial Hygiene Technician in the Public Health Directorate, a position heheld for approximately 18 years. Hernandez is also a retired U.S. Marine, having served from 1975-1995,retiring with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Mr. Hernandez’ wife catered the retirement ceremony with awide array of foods that included tamales, chicken, and a large number of delicious side dishes. FairWinds and Following Seas, Fred!

The Examiner- February 2018 -- 3

Love is in the air and all thingsheart-shaped surround us! It’s aperfect time to remind our-selves, and those we love, thatthe best gift to show we care isthe gift of health and longevity.

When was the last time youreally noticed and acknowl-

edged the hard work your heartdoes to keep you healthy?Maybe it was when you were inthe presence of someone whomade your heart race and stom-ach fill with butterflies, or whenyou were startled, running late,or pushed yourself physically.That’s the beauty of this amaz-ing organ, it’s there for you,your steady and reliable com-panion. Respect it as you wouldyour most trusted confidant; getregular checkups, exercise andeat well to show you are dedi-cated to making this, like anyother desirable relationship,healthy.

Heart disease is a general termthat includes coronary arterydisease, heart rhythm problemsand heart defects you are bornwith. Untreated heart-health

issues that involve narrowed orblocked blood vessels increaserisk for heart attack or stroke.

Prevention is key and knowingthe symptoms of heart diseasecan save a life. If you or some-one you know is experiencingthese symptoms without expla-nation as to the cause, get themto a doctor.

• Shortness of breath • A heavy chest• Random body aches• Loss of feeling in arms andlegs• Heart palpitations

These symptoms are commonwhen we have just finished aworkout, have a virus, anxiety,asthma or allergies. They aremore concerning when thereseems to be no preceding activi-ty or illness that we can associ-ate them with.

February is Heart Health Monthand the American Heart Assoc-iation and your Naval Hospitalwant you to know you matter!Talk to your healthcare teamabout steps to keep you healthyand able to enjoy many moreyears with those you love.

Your Heart Appreciates a Valentine Too!

NIH graphic

By Tanya Stuckey, PublicHealth Specialist

Lt. Cmdr. Derrick LeBeau, Head of the Staff Education and Training Department, stands with job-shad-owing students from Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley High Schools who had the opportunity to tourthe hospital February 1. The students are considering careers in healthcare; one is considering a careerin the Navy. They were briefed on the Post-anesthesia Care Unit, the Multi-Service Ward as well as otherdepartments and clinics.

Ms. Estela Parker, Optometry Clinic, greets Secretary of the Navy, Richard V. Spencer, during his NHTPtour February 2.

4 - The Examiner -- February 2018

Awardees... The following awards were presented during the First Friday Award Ceremony, January 5, 2018, in NHTPClassrooms 4 & 5. Hospital Commanding Officer, Capt. Patrick Amersbach (Acting), was the presenting officerwith Executive Officer Cmdr. Wendy Stone (Acting) and Command Master Chief Jerry Ramey.

Cmdr. Michael Barry is presented with the OutstandingMeritorious Service Medal.

Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Ramsey is awarded the Navy andMarine Corps Commendation Medal.

Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Sanabia is awarded the Navy andMarine Corps Commendation Medal.

Culinary Specialist Second Class Marcus Martin is pre-sented with the Military Outstanding Volunteer ServiceMedal.

Ms. Chirylyn James is presented with a FederalLength of Service Award in grateful recognitionfor her 15 years of faithful service to the federalgovernment.

Ms. Heidi Heard is presented with a Federal Lengthof Service Award in grateful recognition for her 20years of faithful service to the federal government.

The Examiner - January 2018 -- 5

Yeoman Third Class Deawnna Pretlow ispinned to her currant rank by HospitalCorpsman First Class Serrita Coleman.

Secretary of the Navy Visits NHTP

Lt. Cmdr. Betsy Albers takes a selfie with theSECNAV.

HMC Chrisbert Barbon assists aGreen Side Corpsman with a selfie.

Capt. Anthony Arita provides mentalhealth briefing.

The Honorable Richard Spencer, Capt.Nadji Hariri and HMCM Jerry Ramey.

Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, poses with Corpsmen in theAMCC. The Secretary took a number of group photos with Sailorsthroughout the command. Check out the NHTP Share Drive, PublicAffairs, to find your group photo.

Lt. Cmdr. Mary King offers an overview of the MaternalInfant Nursing Department. When asked what she need-ed, King noted that it’s better to have a mix of experiencedand inexperienced Corpsmen and officers reporting toNHTP.

The Secretary of the Navy, RichardSpencer, paused several times whiletouring the Family Medicine Clinicscorridor to take group shots withSailors and staff.

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Introducing New Staff -- Welcome Aboard!

Ens. Rupert Hoel David ET3 Stephanie MoralesMs. Taylor Sugameli Ms. Abbey CraigMs. Beth Bishop

Ensign Rupert Hoel Davidarrived from Navy ROTC LosAngeles. His goal was always tobecome a Nurse Corps officer;and he originally tried to signup as a Navy Corpsman. Withno available billets, however, hetook a machinist’s mate ratingand bided his time (two years)until he was able to apply forthe Medical EnlistedCommissioning Program(MECP). As a machinist’s mate,he was stationed in Japan andsaid it was an awesome experi-ence. David was born in Manila,Philippines, and moved to theLos Angeles area where heattended middle school and highschool. He earned his licensedpractical nursing degree beforejoining the Navy. He earned hisRN degree from West CoastUniversity. He married this pastSeptember and brought his bridefrom Los Angeles to the highdesert. They are looking for-ward to snow boarding in BigBear and exploring PalmSprings. The couple enjoys hik-ing and assorted out-doorsactivities.

Ms. Beth Bishop is our newAccess to Care Manager in theDirectorate for HealthcareBusiness. “Monitoring all of themetrics for patient access to pri-mary care,” is how Ms. Bishopdescribes the position. “I camehere as an ensign and retired asa lieutenant; and now I’m backas a GS (general schedule)employee,” Bishop said. Bishopwas a Corpsman for 14 yearsbefore transitioning to theMedical Service Corps. As aCorpsman she attended “C”school and was a behavioralhealth tech. Bishop retired fromthe Navy in 2017 after 25 yearsof active-duty service. At thattime, she was the business man-ager in the Directorate for Med-ical Services. Hometown is NewOrleans. Bishop recently movedfrom Yucca Valley to Twenty-nine Palms. She recently boughtan RV which she is customizingto her taste; and with the homeshe recently bought, much ofher time is spent with tools andimplements either working onher house or her RV. She does-n’t have time for hobbies.

Ms. Taylor Sugameli is theCommand’s Clinical Infor-mation Systems Specialist. Sheprovides instruction on all of theelectronic medical records sys-tems used at NHTP. Sugameliarrived from Arizona where sheworked for a large non-profithealth organization. She’s origi-nally from St. Clair, Michigan.Sugameli earned her medicalassistance license, from RossMedical Education Center. Hergrandparents live in PalmSprings and her parents recentlyrelocated to Yucca Valley;which made Sugameli want tomove west as well. She said shelikes the peace and quiet of thehigh desert, and its beauty.Sugameli said she loves work-ing at NHTP. “People are reallynice,” she said. “The transitionfrom one electronic medicalsystem to another can be a littledifficult at first,” Sugameli said.“But with the correct training, itwill be great.” She’s found ahome in Twentynine Palmswhich she shares with herGerman Shepherd and her five-year-old.

Ms. Abbey Craig is an adminassistant for the PhysicalEvaluation Board LiaisonOfficer (PEBLO). She’s origi-nally from Gladwin, Michiganand has lived in the high desertfor about a year. She arrived inTwentynine Palms midwinterand very much appreciated thedesert beauty and warmth incontrast to her frozen home-town. Craig has worked withmedical records since highschool when she was the adminassistant in a nursing home. Sheworked in a surgical servicesoffice; and most recentlyworked at Hi-Desert MedicalCenter in Joshua Tree. Craig iscurrently in school to earn hercoding and billing degree. She’senthusiastic about her new posi-tion. “It’s the work I’m used todoing; and it’s the work I like todo,” she said. “And I work withreally great people which makesthe job fun.” The Craigs live onbase with their AustralianShephard, Gunner. “It’s likefamily here,” Craig said. It’s areally great environment.” Craigenjoys hiking in Joshua Tree.

Electronics Technician ThirdClass Stephanie Morales arrivedfrom the USS Dwight D. Eisen-hower (CVN 69), based out ofNorfolk, Virginia, from an air-search radar technician billet. AtNHTP, she’s assigned to theInformation ManagementDepartment. Morales joined theNavy to serve her country andfor the technical training. Shesaid she’s happy to be assignedto Information Managementbecause it adds a whole newdimension to her technicalexpertise. Hometown is PalmBay, Florida. She’s been in theNavy for four years. Her hus-band is an NCO in HeadquartersBattalion. Morales said sheappreciates the high desertbecause it allows her to focuson school, advancement and herjob. She said the night desertsky reminds her of when shewas at sea where the limitlesssky cascaded into the vast sea.Her educational goal is to earnan electrical engineering degree.She and her husband enjoywalking their Siberian huskieson desert trails.

The Examiner - February 2018 -- 7

Staff Sgt. Jonathon Guthrie reenlisted for four more years January 18 on the NHTP Quarterdeck.Guthrie is the interim Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Information Management Department.He’s also a U.S. Marine staff sergeant. He’s served 15 years in the Marine Corps, eight years active duty.He began as a rifleman and transitioned to the Staff Judge Advocate where he now serves and trains inhis Reserve capacity. Reenlisting Officer was Lt. Christopher Skirvin.

Members of the NHTP Command met for an Information Technology Town Hall meeting in ClassroomThree January 23, sponsored by the Information Management Department (IMD), to hear customer con-cerns and ideas. The meeting provided IMD personnel with customers’ general concerns. Staff listened toand captured customer-provided problems and issues they are having and even generated quite a few goodideas for new capabilities and alternative process procedures that could make NHTP IT services more eco-nomical and efficient. “This IT Town Hall is a great idea,” said IMD Department Head, Lt. ChristopherSkirvin. “If we can grow it, we’ll be able to give an overview of department initiatives and up-comingchanges. Everyone is bringing up good issues that we can address right on the spot,” Skirvin said.

All of the feedback was captured and will be prioritized throughout CY18 as part of the CommandStrategic Process Improvement Initiative. IMD and the Command would like to thank everyone who partic-ipated as well as those who sent their feedback via e-mail; your input is valued.

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Aaron Foster (right) reenlisted fortwo more years February 6. HM3 Foster wanted to reenlist in closeproximity to the Robert E. Bush bronze statue “because that’s whata real Corpsman is,” he said. Foster is a staff Corpsman on theMulti-Service Ward. By NHTP tradition, reenlisting Sailors aregranted a 96-hour special liberty pass and an additional 72-hourspecial liberty pass to bestow upon the Sailor of their choosing.HM3 Foster presented HM3 Joseph Lujano (above left) with the 72-hour special liberty pass. Reenlisting Officer was Lt. Cmdr. MarkLund.

Lt. Cmdr. Bennett Davis, Radiology Department, offered a briefingon Happiness January 4 during Patient Safety Hour. The PatientSafety Hour was developed by the NHTP Chief Medical Officer andthe Patient Safety Office with the intent to instill a culture of contin-uous process improvement and high reliability. Davis discussed thelimbic system, physiological nerve centers that affect emotion (“It’swhy we sometimes say we have a gut feeling”), positive change andthe Golden Rule. Davis noted that good deeds have a long-term pos-itive effect; and that one can create positive change by treating oth-ers in the same way we would all like to be treated, with kindness,consideration and understanding.

By Forrest McCracken, Senior Business Consultant

8 -- The Examiner - February - 2018